Finding faith, family, and friendship in the remaining weeks of summer.
Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. These two great saints lived very different lives. Peter was a fisherman who often spoke before he thought. Paul was an educated scholar and missionary. Yet both encountered Jesus, allowed themselves to be transformed, and ultimately gave their lives proclaiming the Gospel.
The early disciples did not encounter Christ in classrooms or auditoriums. They walked dusty roads, shared meals, fished, traveled, served others, and spent time together. Their faith was formed through relationships and experiences alongside Jesus.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts summer offers our families is the same gift Jesus gave His disciples: time.
Time to walk together.
Time to listen.
Time to pray.
Time to rest.
Time to simply be present to one another.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a conference on relational ministry in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was inspiring to spend time with youth ministers, educators, and church leaders from across the country who share a common desire to accompany young people and help them grow in faith.
One of the themes that resonated with me was the importance of relationships. Young people do not simply need more activities, programs, or information. They need trusted adults who know them, care for them, and walk alongside them.
While in St. Paul, we also had the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Sitting beneath the towering dome and praying with people from around the country served as a reminder that our faith connects us across generations, communities, and distances.
Yet some of the most important places where faith is formed are much closer to home: around kitchen tables, on front porches, during family vacations, and in conversations while driving down a Kansas highway.
It hardly seems possible, but June is nearly over. The Fourth of July is around the corner as our nation prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, and before long, local store shelves will begin filling with notebooks, crayons, backpacks, and school supplies.
Summer has a way of reminding us that time moves quickly.
This week also marks the KSHSAA Summer Moratorium. While it may appear on the calendar simply as a week without practices, workouts, or competitions, it offers something much more valuable: time returned to families.
For students entering grades 7-12, schedules slow down, facilities close, and activities pause. In a culture that often pushes us to do more, achieve more, and stay busy, this intentional pause is a gift.
As we enter the second half of summer, I encourage your family to make time for one another.
Serve someone in need.
Visit a neighbor.
Pray together.
Spend time in Adoration as a family.
Visit a Catholic church while traveling.
Try a new recipe.
Allow your children to cook dinner one evening.
Take a walk.
Put the phones away.
Take a break from the schedule.
And simply enjoy being together.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is to sit quietly with them in the presence of Jesus and allow them to discover that God often speaks in the silence.
Before long, school bells will ring again, fall sports will begin, and routines will return.
Until then, there is still time.
Time to pray.
Time to serve.
Time to sit in Adoration.
Time to visit a neighbor.
Time to cook dinner together.
Time to watch a sunset.
Time to discover that God often speaks in the quiet moments we almost rush past.
The gift of summer is not found in how much we accomplish. It is found in how well we love, how deeply we listen, and how intentionally we spend the time we have been given.
Have a joyful and blessed Fourth of July, enjoy this week of rest during the KSHSAA Moratorium, and cherish these remaining weeks of summer together.
Together, let us be disciples of Jesus on mission.
Geoff Andrews
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Diocese of Salina
